MAAC Tournament Comparison

[hoopsforever]

I would like to hear some fans' take on the tourney in Springfield vs. Albany. To me, the size of the crowds and the lack of TV coverage reduces the MAAC tourney to a non-event. While so many other conferences blanket the TV schedule, MAAC fans are trying to log in to ESPN 3 - really?

When the MAAC Tourney was in Albany, it was the talk of the town for the weekend, big media coverage, lots of TV coverage. Now - I mean, ESPN 3 - hope for enough band width to get a good picture, not a good option.

We got better coverage of MAAC regular season games then the tourney. Is the MAAC going from a mid-major conference to a low-major conference?

[MTS]

My take: It's time to get the hell out and RUN to the Atlantic-10 IF (big if) they offer. I'm starting to see what Gorvy is saying. The PATRIOT league had both of their SEMIFINALS on CBS College sports. The CAA has their SEMIFINALS and championship on NBC Sports network. What is the MAAC on? ESPN3 the same outlet as the America East. Plus taking the tournament out of Albany should send a message to Siena that the MAAC doesn't care what Siena has done for the league.

Siena can compete fine and even get to a sweet 16 from the MAAC (almost did it twice) but it will be MUCH easier splitting town and going into a league where we can get at-large bids AND single digit seeds.

[siena77]

Yes. Starting when Siena leaves the MAAC, you'll probably be able to hold the tournament in a TV studio. Maybe then they'll get some coverage. ;D

[diamonddog]

I've been to Albany, Bridgeport, and Springfield for the tournament.

Out of the three, Albany is the best site.

Springfield's location does not work- not convenient for fans due to travel.

If Siena was good the past two years, I think we would have a good following to the arena. We have the traveling advantage- only 90 minutes takes you there- other schools are certainly far away than us from Springfield.

I like the idea of a small arena with a capacity crowd- but that arena needs to be centrally located to all MAAC schools. No such arena exists I believe except for Albany.

This year the league did a good thing by lowering ticket prices, which was nice. Concessions are ok at the arena. Lots of good food around the MassMutual Center, however.

I miss the ol days when the tournament games were on MSG- that was always a lot of fun. ESPN3 is ok but some of my friends were able to watch the games from around the country.

If Siena does move to the A10, would be nice to have most of the games on TV again.

I would guess the league would move the tournament after next year...maybe back to the Izod Center? Wilkes Barre PA? Whats your guys thoughts on where the tournament should go?

[$cott]

Leaving MSG for ESPN3 for the "national coverage" was an even worse decision than moving the tourney to Springfield.

[siena95]

yeah a regional league looking for national exposure... the reasoning made no sense then and even less now.